ADB to boost climate cooperation in Bangladesh: Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury emphasized Bangladesh‍‍`s urgent need for resources to combat climate change, as discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) centered on bolstering cooperation for climate actions.

Highlighting the country‍‍`s staggering $9 billion requirement for climate action, Minister Chowdhury noted the government‍‍`s allocation of $3.5 billion earmarked for infrastructure development, disaster management, and education. He emphasized the government‍‍`s expectation for support from international development partners in implementing Bangladeshi projects.

Minister Chowdhury made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation led by ADB Vice President Fatima Yasmin at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat. Edimon Ginting, the Country Director of ADB in Bangladesh, also attended the meeting on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

Recognizing the challenges in private sector investment in climate adaptation, Minister Chowdhury stressed the importance of monetizing adaptation efforts and prioritizing locally driven initiatives. He also emphasized the need to address transboundary air pollution, which contributes significantly to air pollution in Bangladesh, affirming the country‍‍`s commitment to global research efforts.

In response, ADB Vice President Fatima Yasmin reiterated the bank‍‍`s unwavering commitment to supporting Bangladesh‍‍`s crucial initiatives such as the Delta Plan, Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, and National Adaptation Plan. She reaffirmed ADB‍‍`s strong partnership with Bangladesh and its dedication to undertaking transformative projects with a focus on climate change resilience.

Outlining ADB‍‍`s contribution, Vice President Yasmin announced a pledge of $2 billion out of the total allocation of $9.8 billion specifically for Bangladesh, underscoring the bank‍‍`s profound commitment to the nation‍‍`s sustainable development goals.

The meeting signifies a significant step forward in the ongoing collaboration between Bangladesh and the Asian Development Bank, highlighting the shared commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development goals.